Apparatus for use in a respiratory support system

Abstract

An apparatus or kit for a respiratory support system for delivering humidified gas to a user or patient. The apparatus comprising a humidifier chamber in pneumatic communication with a gases source, an inspiratory conduit in pneumatic communication with the humidifier chamber downstream of the humidifier chamber, a filter that is in pneumatic communication with the inspiratory conduit downstream of the inspiratory conduit, and a patient interface for delivering humidified gas to a user or patient, wherein the patient interface is in pneumatic communication with the filter downstream of the filter, or is configured to be placed in pneumatic communication with the filter downstream of the filter.

1 - 29 . (canceled) 
     
     
         30 . A patient interface assembly comprising:
 a non-sealing patient interface configured to deliver a high flow of gases to a patient;   a filter comprising an inlet port and an outlet port engageable with an end of a conduit of the non-sealing patient interface; and   an adapter insert comprising at least a pair of male connection fingers, the adapter insert configured to engage the inlet port of the filter such that the male connection fingers extend externally from the inlet port.   
     
     
         31 . The patient interface assembly of  claim 30 , wherein the adapter insert further comprises one or more retention members, wherein the one or more retention members are substantially engageable with an interior surface portion of the filter. 
     
     
         32 . The patient interface assembly of  claim 31 , wherein the adapter insert comprises a plurality of retention members, wherein the one or more retention members are arranged to form an array. 
     
     
         33 . The patient interface assembly of  claim 31 , wherein the one or more retention members comprises a taper connection, or are configured to engage the interior surface portion of the filter via a push fit or interference fit. 
     
     
         34 . The patient interface assembly of  claim 31 , wherein each of the one or more retention members is configured to resist axial displacement of the adapter insert in a direction toward an exterior end of a said port. 
     
     
         35 . The patient interface assembly of  claim 31 , wherein each of the one or more retention members is configured for an engagement with an interior surface of a filter housing to retain the adapter insert within the inlet port into which the adapter insert is inserted. 
     
     
         36 . The patient interface assembly of  claim 35 , wherein each of the one or more retention members comprises at least a hook or other surface projection to engage or latch with the interior surface of the filter housing. 
     
     
         37 . The patient interface assembly of  claim 31 , wherein the adapter insert comprises a first end from which the male connection fingers extend, a second end from which the one or more retention members extend, and a shank portion connecting the first end with the second end. 
     
     
         38 . The patient interface assembly of  claim 30 , wherein the adapter insert comprises at least one sealing member. 
     
     
         39 . The patient interface assembly of  claim 38 , wherein the at least one sealing member is provided about a shank portion of the adapter insert. 
     
     
         40 . The patient interface assembly of  claim 38 , wherein the at least one sealing member is provided substantially at or adjacent with a first end of the adapter insert. 
     
     
         41 . The patient interface assembly of  claim 39 , wherein the adapter insert comprises a first sealing member provided about the shank portion and a second sealing member provided substantially at or adjacent with a first end of the adapter insert. 
     
     
         42 . The patient interface assembly of  claim 41 , wherein the second sealing member provides for a second sealing surface for sealing with a surface of a connector provided at a terminal end of the conduit, brought to bear upon the second sealing surface. 
     
     
         43 . The patient interface assembly of  claim 41 , wherein at least one of the first sealing member and the second sealing member is an o-ring. 
     
     
         44 . The patient interface assembly of  claim 39 , wherein the at least one sealing member is provided in one or more configurations comprising: (a) the at least one sealing member provided about a circumference of the shank portion; (b) the at least one sealing member configured to provide a first sealing surface extending radially outwardly from the shank portion; and (c) the at least one sealing member configured to provide a first sealing surface for sealing with an internal surface of the inlet port or outlet port of the filter. 
     
     
         45 . The patient interface assembly of  claim 41 , wherein the first sealing member is located intermediate of the first end and a second end of the adapter insert. 
     
     
         46 . The patient interface assembly of  claim 41 , wherein the second sealing member is located substantially at or adjacent with a base of the male connection fingers as the male connection fingers extend from the first end of the adapter insert. 
     
     
         47 . The patient interface assembly of  claim 41 , wherein the first end of the adapter insert comprises a radially extensive ledge. 
     
     
         48 . The patient interface assembly of  claim 30 , wherein the male connection fingers comprise indentations. 
     
     
         49 . The patient interface assembly of  claim 48 , wherein the indentations are in an external surface of the male connection fingers.